A new class of upconversion luminescence tuning materials based on non-photochromic reaction: Er3+-activated Ba0.7Sr0.3Nb2O6 ferroelectrics

The upconversion (UC) luminescence tuning of phosphors has attracted increasing interest as optical switches, optical sensing, and high-density optical data storage devices. However, the design and synthesis of photo-switchable inorganic luminescent materials were still at primary stage. In this work, a new type of UC luminescence regulation materials, Er3+-activated tetragonal tungsten bronze Ba0.7Sr0.3Nb2O6 ferroelectrics, showing strong susceptibility to visible light irradiation, was reported based on nonphotochromic (N-PC) effect. Under visible light irradiation, the maximum luminescent modulation ability reached up to 79.4%. The tuning of UC luminescence was disclosed to tightly rely on the irradiation time and thermal treatment processes. Meanwhile, excellent reproducibility was also demonstrated. Besides, the luminescent readout almost had no any influence on the UC emission, indicating the extremely low destruction to the stored luminescent states. The mechanisms related to the UC luminescence and manipulation were also discussed. In contrast to the previous tuning way based on PC reaction, it is believed that this work shed new light for the understanding of UC modulation fundamentals. (C) 2020 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study reported a new type of UC luminescence regulation material based on nonphotochromic effect, showing high sensitivity to visible light irradiation and strong luminescent modulation ability, with excellent reproducibility and extremely low destruction to the stored luminescent states. The mechanisms related to the UC luminescence and manipulation were discussed, providing new insights for understanding UC modulation fundamentals.